Lilly Pulitzer (also known as Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau), a socialite turned fashion designer, passed away on April 7, 2013, aged 81, at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, and had a net worth estimated at $50 million at the time of her passing.
Jackie Kennedy and the Rise of Lilly Pulitzer’s Fame
Lilly is best known for her brightly printed dresses. She became famous in the ’60s, thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States and wife of President John F. Kennedy, who was photographed wearing one of her creations.
Lillian Pulitzer Rousseau, a trailblazer in fashion known for her vivid floral prints, leaves an everlasting impact on style (Credit: Lilly Pulitzer)
Known as the “Queen of Prep,” Pulitzer founded Lilly Pulitzer, Inc., making a significant mark in the fashion industry with her distinctive bright, colorful designs. Born in Roslyn, New York, in November 1931, she initially embarked on her fashion journey somewhat serendipitously through her juice stand in Palm Beach, where she started creating dresses to help hide juice stains.
A Brand Revival: Lilly Pulitzer’s Second Life in the ’90s
This side project eventually evolved into a full-fledged company in 1959. Despite shutting down the operation in 1984, the brand saw a revival in 1993 when Sugartown Worldwide, Inc. acquired the rights, breathing new life into Pulitzer’s designs.
Throughout the ’60s to the ’80s, Lilly Pulitzer’s creations were a staple among celebrities and prominent families, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Rockefellers. Her legacy was further cemented with a Target collaboration announced in 2015, two years after her death, showcasing the enduring appeal of her vibrant, preppy style.
Camila Alves exudes elegance in a white blazer over a floral sheath dress, Kate Bosworth radiates in a sleeveless yellow mini with pink accents, Bella Thorne dazzles in a pink and green sleeveless shift dress, and Ellie Kemper charms in a sleeveless blue dress with pink floral designs, all showcasing the bright, signature prints of Lilly Pulitzer for Target’s collection at their New York City event on April 15, 2015, in New York City (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INFphoto)
In 2010, Sugartown Worldwide, Inc., the parent company of Lilly Pulitzer, was acquired by Oxford Industries, the owner of brands like Tommy Bahama and Johnny Was. While the company is now headquartered in Philadelphia, it maintains strong ties to its origins in Palm Beach.
From Dresses to Lifestyle: Lilly Pulitzer’s Expanding Influence
Fast forward to the present, Lilly Pulitzer has become a lifestyle brand. You can now find bedding, eyewear, jewelry, scarves, shoes, bags, and even apparel for little girls with her name written on it.
She made an indelible mark in the industry by introducing us to the love of life, patterns, prints, and colors. Her celebrity fans include Emmy Rossum, Kate Bosworth, and Bella Thorne.
The following video traces the creation of Lilly Pulitzer’s iconic fashion brand, starting in 1959 when the socialite created a shift dress to combat fruit stains while in Palm Beach.
With its vibrant prints and simple, stylish design, the dress became a sensation and was distinct from the more traditional Palm Beach attire.
“Nothing is more rooted in a resort Americana aesthetic than Lilly Pulitzer,” said Robert Burke, chief executive of retail consultancy Robert Burke Associates, in an interview with CNN. “It’s always stayed very grounded in that Palm Beach mentality.”
It gained widespread attention when Jacqueline Kennedy was photographed in one of Lilly’s dresses, prompting women across the U.S. to embrace the style. Shop the vibrant Lilly Pulitzer collection at Nordstrom and Zappos.
The Lilly Pulitzer Freja Dress embodies the brand’s flair for combining effervescent prints with timeless fashion
Elegance meets exuberance in the Lilly Pulitzer Delia Dress, featuring the designer’s quintessential cheerful patterns
The Lilly Pulitzer Serena Dress captures the joyful essence of Pulitzer’s design philosophy, marrying bright hues with playful sophistication
Lilly Pulitzer’s vibrant designs have left a significant mark on the fashion industry, inspiring numerous brands and celebrities alike. For instance, Vera Bradley’s co-founder, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, drew inspiration from the colorful aesthetics of Lilly Pulitzer and Laura Ashley, leading to the creation of their own iconic patterns.
Additionally, actress Kate Bosworth showcased her appreciation for Lilly Pulitzer by donning a playful floral dress at a Target event, highlighting the brand’s influence on celebrity fashion choices.
